CARB Planning to Reduce NOx Emissions from Diesel Trucks

A recent editorial in the San Jose Mercury Newsfleet average emission rate targets for oxides of
focused on the pollution from diesel engines and thenitrogen (NOx). Both targets decline over time,
effect this is having on California's air quality. "When itrequiring fleets to reduce their emissions even
comes to air pollution from vehicles, it doesn't getfurther. According to these proposed regulations a
more noxious than the soot from diesel engines. Thefleet that is unable to meet the NOx target, would
black particles accumulate in people's lungs,have to turn over more than 10 percent of its fleet
contributing to asthma, heart problems and thousandsper year. Turn over, as defined by CARB, means to
of deaths in California every year. After more than are-power with a cleaner engine, replace a vehicle with
year and a half of crafting the language that willa new or used vehicle, designate as low-use or
constitute the new off-road diesel equipmentdecrease fleet size. "With the current state of air
regulations, the California Air Resources Boardquality in California, these proposed regulations are a
(CARB) will meet in Del Mar on May 25 to decidemove in the right direction," said Bob Carroll, CEO of
whether to adopt this language which targets whatthe Biofriendly Corporation. "NOx emissions are a
the Mercury calls 'smoke-belching constructionthreat to the health of Californians and cost effective
equipment - bulldozers, graders and the like - alongmethods of reducing these emissions need to be
with other "off-road" vehicles used at airports, skifound and implemented." Green PlusÂ(R), the
resorts and warehouses.' Regulators would have toliquid fuel catalyst produced by Biofriendly is currently
work with affected industries to find ways to easein use in Mexico and other countries that aim to
the expense of retrofitting or replacing nearlyreduce NOx emissions. Working at the molecular level
180,000 vehicles by 2025. Cost estimates run fromto slightly "unbundle" complex hydrocarbon molecule
$3 billion to $13 billion - a sum that could make thisclusters, it enables existing oxygen to reach the fuel
the most expensive air regulation in California history,and react with the fuel more easily. Improving
says the Mercury editorial. The proposed CARBcombustion processes results in a "positive domino
regulations, which have been revised multiple times,effect" - that is, a more complete burn, a more linear
require a contractor's diesel engine fleet to meetburn and a cooler burn. This in turn delivers more
fleet average emission rate targets for particulatepower, more torque, better fuel economy and fewer
matter (PM). Large and medium fleets (greater thanharmful emissions.
1,000 horsepower) would also be required to meet